Ivy fiddled with her sunglasses, settling into the booth at Serendipity 3, one of her favorite places to visit in the city. Two Frrrozen hot chocolates sat in front of her.

"Surprised to hear from you out of the blue." A tall red head sauntered into the restaurant as if she owned the place.

"Well, it's been a long time since we've talked."

"I haven't seen you since you came back from Boston last fall."

"Well Daisy, it seems we have someone in common." Ivy pointed to the seat opposite her, instructing Daisy to have a seat.

Daisy Parker slid into the seat. "I've got thirty minutes to kill."

Ivy passed her a menu and one of the hot chocolates. "This place has really great hotdogs if you've never tried them."

Daisy lifted her hand. "I'll pass on that if you don't mind." Daisy gestured to her waist. "I've got a new opportunity coming my way and I don't want to bloat."

"A new opportunity huh?" Ivy pressed. "Something tells me that our someone in common has something to do with that."

Daisy signaled for the server and ordered a Thai Peanut Salad. "Twenty seven minutes, Ivy," Daisy said pointing to her silver watch. "You may have free afternoons but I don't."

"Oh I know all about that," Ivy nodded. "Broadway is a small community, people talk. Congratulations on landing a part in the chorus of Hit List. I didn't think you were involved when they played at the Fringe."

"I wasn't involved; it landed in my lap just two weeks ago. I haven't been on stage in a while; we all have to be somewhere."

Ivy nodded, thanking the server for the meal. "I'll get right to it. Our someone in common happens to be your director."

"Derek Wills? I know you two dated or whatever a while back, did you two get back together."

Ivy narrowed her eyes at her opponent. "I know about your arrangement with him – how you got the job, the tape, all of it," she said in a low voice.

Daisy sipped her drink, not saying a word.

"You think I'm the only one who knows?" Ivy challenged.

"Know what? That your precious Derek is a womanizing creep who'll go after anyone in a tight skirt?"

"That you've blackmailed your way to the top."

"As opposed to sleeping your way to the top – which I've heard that you've done."

Ivy gripped her drink, wondering what a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate would look like on Daisy Parker. "I didn't invite you here to talk about me."

"Then why am I here?" Daisy demanded. "I've got Hit List rehearsals, I'm understudying for Ana Vargas, and tonight I get to go on."

"The show stops for you today," Ivy said finally cutting to the chase. "It stops now and no one gets hurt in the process."

"There's nothing you could do or say that could get me to walk away now – I've already won."

Ivy shook her head. "You haven't won anything. What would you do if Derek went to the press with what you did, or called your bluff and you lost your understudy role?"

Daisy's mouth twitched. "I'd be willing to be I'd weather the storm a whole lot better than your boyfriend would."

"He's not my….never mind," Ivy said quickly. "I've got a bigger deal to offer one, bigger than a potential supporting Broadway role."

Daisy blotted her mouth with a napkin. "I'm listening."

"I've got a friend out in California, he runs an elite cabaret club, they are looking for a permanent headliner – we're talking a long term contract, a guarantee for five years. You think you'd be on Hit List for half that long?"

"California?"

"We both know singing has been your main strength, more than the dancing or acting."

Daisy said nothing, knowing full well that Ivy was speaking the truth. "So you're offering me a different job across the country."

"Moving expenses are covered, I've lined up a place for you to stay – with some old girlfriends of mine – don't worry, they don't know about your little scheme to get ahead. And I've got some starting out money for you in here." Ivy produced one of her grandmother's classic designer bags from her modelling days. With her grandmother's permission, she sold a handful of them to cover Daisy's moving expenses and set her up with a bank account.

"You have really good taste," Daisy admired, thumbing the bag.

"You can keep the bag, it goes with the job and the move," Ivy offered.

"What are you expecting in return?"

"You go to California now, and give me any and all evidence of your night with Derek. Forget the deal with Derek, forget Hit List. You breathe a word about any of this to any one at any point, the job goes away. I have the power to make that happen." Ivy looked Daisy square in the eye, daring her to challenge.

"You're going to an awful lot of trouble for someone who isn't even worth it," Daisy scoffed.

"Think of it as a fresh start for you – you've paid your dues," Ivy encouraged. "Don't you ever think about wanting to get away and just start over?"

Daisy pushed her plate aside, having finished eating. "How long do I have to think about all of this?"

"It's a good deal," Ivy reminded her. "You're expected in California next week. Pack up your apartment, and go." Ivy passed her a check. "This is going to give you a good start."

Daisy appraised the number. "Yes it will." She pocketed the check. "You win; I'll go – but tell me this…are you doing this for him?"

"It's the right thing to do, blackmail isn't the answer. You wouldn't have won in the long run. Now you can put your past aside and start over."

"I hope he appreciates what you're doing for him." Daisy stood up. "I assume you're getting the check?"

Ivy nodded. "Call me when you leave, and when you arrive in California. Keep in mind your end of the bargain – you don't say anything about the situation."

Daisy pulled up her phone and the video, deleting everything in front of Ivy. "I didn't have it stored anywhere else."

"If I find out you're lying…"

"You won't," Daisy finished. "I, I wasn't planning on using him for a role. When he offered…"

"You said yes, and then you filmed it for insurance. You were both wrong, and now you have the chance to make it right."

Daisy nodded. "You may be the best thing that ever happened to him," she said, waving goodbye.

Ivy watched her go. Her grandmother Lynn had been quick to provide Ivy with what she needed, no questions asked. There was only one thing left to do.